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Saffron states importance of school presentations

Monday, May 14, 2018
9:25:23 MDT AM

Saffron executive director Katie Kitschke (right) talked about the new enhancements of Saffron’s new facility to Health Minister Sarah Hoffman (middle) and Sherwood Park MLA Annie McKitrick during an open house in February.

While sexual consent is only now being added to Alberta’s education curriculum, a local group has been going into schools for a long time, teaching about the importance of consent.

Oftentimes, though, such presentations result in victims speaking out as well.

“When we speak about consent currently in schools, we often have students that disclose sexual assaults to us after the presentations,” said Katie Kitschke, executive director of the local Saffron Centre, which provides support to survivors of sexual violence, while also providing education.

“Through the information that we provide, they realize that they can come forward and will be believed.”

Kitschke said victims are often “threatened, blamed or ashamed of what has happened to them,” and that increase education about consent can result in the creation of a “safe place” for survivors to come forward and talk about their experience — “and not feel scared or ashamed.”

“It also allows them to feel that they are not alone. That is so important,” Kitschke said.

With the news that consent is being added to the education curriculum, Kitschke said Saffron will continue to work with Elk Island Catholic and public school divisions.

While the exact outlines of what the curriculum will include have yet to be released, Education Minister David Eggen noted K-4 teachings will include respect and personal space. Kitschke said Saffron has been trying to reach kindergarten to Grade 3 students “for years,” but schools have met them with “a bit of push back — the thought being that the students were not ready for it.”

“We are hoping this change in curriculum will open the doors for conversations with those younger students, as well as with parents,” Kitschke said.

“We have a wonderful presentation for parents that helps teach them how to talk to their kids about healthy relationships and sexuality. This is key.

“We need to all be on the same page and use the same words, so that our children learn without any confusion about consent and so much more.”